Valve



May 4, 1943.

A. C. LAYTON VALVE Filed Aug. 11, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l A. c. LAYTQN Maly 4, 1943.

VALVE Filed Aug. 11, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arti/Mr C. aj/fon Patented-May 4, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE Arthur C. Layton, Tyler, Tex. Application August 11, 1939, Serial No. 289,521

4 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in valves.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved valve which is particularly adapted for use in ush tanks for water closets, the valve being arranged to be employed as a iioat actuated illling valve or as a time controlled iush valve.

An important object ot the invention is to provide an improved valve wherein the control valve element is moved from fully closed to fully open/position upon each operation, whereby a maximum volume of water may pass the valve element during the iilling period, which makes for quicker filling of the tank and also permits a smaller flush tank to be employed; the arrangement also eliminating restricted flow oriiices and passages, which are subject to wear by high velocity iiow and thereby making the device efficient in operation under any pressure conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved lling valve for iiush tanks which is so constructed that back-Siphon from the ush tank to the supply line is preventedat all times, wherebyl it is impossible for the water to be drawn from the tank back into the supply line, either when the valve is closed or during the iushing or filling period.

Still another object o! the invention is to provide an improved valve, of the character described, wherein the incoming water is unrestricted in its ilow from the water supply line to the tank, and also wherein the valve element is cushioned or retarded in its movement toward a closed or seated position, whereby the valve is substantially noiseless and quiet in operation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved oat actuated valve for ush tanksl having provision for introducing air into the device in the event a suction is created in the supply line, said air being introduced regardless of the position of the oat, whereby a back ilow of water from the tank to the supply line is positively prevented.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved valve, of the character described, wherein the working parts are located above the liquid levelin the tank and'no accumulation of sediment or water is possible; the construction being simple and comprising a minimum number of parts, which are readily disassembled for replacement, repair, or for other purposes.

Another object oi the invention is to provide an improved valve, of the character described,

having a pressure responsive member for controlling the main valve element, said member cooperating with a float actuated valve, whereby the water pressure is utilized to actuate the pressure responsive member to eiect closing of the main valve element.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view. partly in elevation and partly in section, and showing an improved valve mechanism, constructed in accordance with the invention, and mounted within the usual flush tank of a water closet,

Figure 2 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the valve mechanism,

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse, vertical, sectional view of the upper portion of the valve mechanism and showing said valve in a closed position,

Figure 4 is a plan view of the parts shown in Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is an enlarged, horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 2,

Figure 7 is a partial isometric view of the piston element which is actuated by the float,

, Figure 8 is an isometric view oi the anged nipple or collar which forms the upper valve seat, and

Figure 9 is a partial isometric view of the pilot tube.

In the drawings, the numeral I0' designates the usual flush tank of a water closet (not shown). 'Ihe `tank is proivded with an outlet II which has a discharge pipe I2 leading therefrom and this pipe has connection with the usual bowl of the water closet. A suitable valve I3.- which is ordinarily manually operated, closes the discharge opening II and, when this valve is lifted from its seat, the water within the tank I0 may discharge through the outlet pipe I2. An overflow pipe I 4 is disposed within the tank and has its upper end normally disposed above the standing level within said tank. The lower end of the overflow I4 is connected in the discharge pipe I2 beyond the outlet opening II and valve I3, whereby water entering the upper end oi said overilow may pass downwardly intothe pipe I2, from which it is conducted to the bowl of the water closet. The pipe I4 provides, not only an overow, but also an afteriill for the bowl, after the flushing period has been completed.

A cylindrical housing I5 is disposed within the lower end of the flush tank I and this housing has a depending nipple I6 ,which is preferably formed integral therewith. The nipple is vdisposed axially of the housing I and is threaded through an opening I1 formed in the bottom of the tank, the lower end of said nipple projecting from the tank bottom. A suitable gasket I8 may be interposed between the bottom of the housing and the bottom of the tank I0 and a lock nut I9, which screws onto the projecting end of the nipple, serves to tighten the housing against said gasket so as to provide a leak-proof seal around the nipple. The lower end of the nipple is connected by a suitable joint or coupling 29 to the water supply line 2l, whereby water may flow upwardly through the nipple I6. The upper end of the bore of the nipple I6 is screw-threaded at 22 so as to receive the lower end of an elongate conductor or pipe 23, winch pipe projects upwardly from the housing I5, as is clearly shown in Figure 2. The water entering the nipple I6 from the supply line 2| ilows upwardly through the elongate conductor 23 to the upper end thereof, as will be hereinafter explained.

The upper end of the elongate conductor 23 is threaded into a collar 24, which collar is supported by a web 25 within a diaphragm case 26. The lower end of the diaphragm case is provided with an integral collar 21, which is of larger diameter than the collar 24. The collar 21 receives the upper end of an enlarged pipe 28, which surrounds the inner elongate conductor 23. The pipe 28 extends downwardly to the upper end of the housing I5 and has a circular plate 29 threaded thereon. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, the external diameter of the plate 29 is less than the internal diameter of the housing I5, whereby an annular ow passage 38 is formed between the periphery of the plate and the wall of the housing. It is preferable that the housing wall be bevelled so as todirect the ow outwardly therefrom. The circular plate 29 has a plurality of openings 3l therein (Figure 6) and, manifestly, these openings 3l, together with the annular flow space 30, establish communication between the interior of the housing I5 and the interior of the flush tank Ill.

For closing the openings 3| and the annular flow passage 38, a flexible valve disk 32, which may be constructed of leather, or other suitable material, surrounds the pipe 28 and overlies the plate 29 and the side walls of the'housing I5. This disk 32 is held in position by means of a nut 33 which is threaded onto the pipe 28, such arrangement conning or clamping the disk betwe'en the plate 29 and the nut 33. When the exible disk 32 is in the position shown dotted in Figure 2, said disk is closing the openings 3I and the passage 30, whereby a flow from the interior of the tank into the housing I5 cannot occur. Manifestly, the exible disk 32 acts as a check valve which will permit a ilow from the housing into the tank, but will prevent a ow .in a reverse direction. l

'I'he diaphragm case 26 which is supported on the upper end of the elongate conductor 23 is constructed in two sections, including an upper section A and a lower section B. The sections are provided with annular flanges 34, which are adapted to be bolted together by bolts 36. The

interior of the casing 26 above the collar 24 forms a diaphragm chamber and a circular diaphragm or disk 36 is disposed within this chamber. The peripheral edge portion of the flexible diaphragm 36 is clamped between the flanges 34 of the sections A and B of the case. Manifestly, the diaphragm is adapted to ilex or move vertically zwithin the interior of the case above the collar The upper end of the collar 24 is disposed in a plane above the top of the transverse spider or support 25, whereby this upper end forms an annular valve seat 31. This seat is adapted to be engaged by a resilient valve element or collar 38 which is secured to the underside of the diaphragm 36. The valve element 38 is preferably constructed of rubber, or other iiexible material, and is fastened, to thel diaphragm by means of a pilot tube 39. The tube 39 extends axially within the upper portion of the inlet conductor 23 and is formed with a flange 40 which engages the underside of the valve element. The upper end of the tube 39 extends through an axial opening in the diaphragm 36 and has a retaining nut 4I threaded onto the upper end thereof. With this arrangement, it will be manifest that rthe flexible or resilient valve element 38 is confined between the flange 40 on the tube 39 and the diaphragm 36, being held and confined therebetween by means of the retaining nut 4I which holds the flange in engagement with the underside of said element. When the diaphragm is in the position shown in Figure 2, the valve element 38 is spaced from the upper end of the valve seat 31, whereby water from the inlet conductor 23 may ilow into the diaphragm chamber below said diaphragm. From this chamber, the water may ow downwardly through a pair of arcuate slots 42, which are formed diametrically opposite each other in the transverse spider or support25 (Figure 5). After passing through the ports 42, the water passes downwardly through the outside pipe 28, owing through the annular space formed between the bore of this pipe and the exterior of the inlet conductor 23. The water passes into the interior of the housing or chamber I5 and then escapes upwardly through the ports or openings 3l and the flow passage 30.v The pressure of the water is suilicient to. lift the flexible disk 32 to permit a flow through the openings and throughvthe pasage. When the diaphragm 36 is in the position shown in Figure 3, the ilexible valve element 38 has moved 'downwardly into engagement with the valve seat 31, whereby a flow from the upper end of the conductor is prevented.

The velocity tube 39 which depends axially within the upper portion of the inlet conductor 23 has an axial bore 43. The lower end of this bore is reduced to form a restricted opening 44 and, obviously, water from the conductor 23 may ilow upwardly through the restriction and then through the bore 43 into the chamber above the diaphragm 36. 'I'he upper end or top of the diaphragm case is formed with a laterally directed passage 45, which extends from the outer periphery of the case inwardly to the central portion thereof. 'Ihe inner end of this passage communicates through an opening 46 with the chamber above the diaphragm 36. A flanged collar 41 is threaded into the opening 46 and the underside of this collar is provided with raprojects into the passage 45 and this upper end forms an annular valve seat 49.

The valve seat 49 is arranged to be engaged by a exible valve disk 59, which is embedded in the lower end of apiston 5I, which piston is slidable within a cylinder 52 which extends upwardly from the diaphragm case and which is preferably made integral therewith. When the iston 5| is in the position shown in Figure 2,

e exible disk 58 thereof is spaced from the valve seat 49, whereby communication between the radial passage 45 and the interior of the diaphragm case above the diaphragm 36 is established. However, when the piston is lowered, as shown in Figure 3, the disk 50 engages the valve seat 49 to prevent a iiow from the passage to the case and vice versa. The outer end of the lateral passage 45 has one end of a tube 53 connected thereto. The outer end of the tube is curved downwardly and is engaged within the upper end of the overflow pipe |4 which is located within the iiush tank l0.

For controlling the movement of the piston 5| so as to control the seating and unseatlng of the valve disk 5l), the upper end of said piston4 is formed with a diametncally extending slot 54. A lever 56 is pivoted on a Vpin 51, which pin is mounted within upwardly extending ears 58, the latter being formed integral with the cylinder 52. The inner end of the lever has a circular portion 59 which is disposed within the diametrically extending slot 54. Manifestly, when the lever is swung on its pivot 51, the piston 5| is raised or lowered in accordance with the swinging movement of said lever. 'Ihe outerend of the lever has a oat arm 69 threaded thereinto and the outer end of said arm carries a suitable float ball 6|. The position of the ball 6| is, of course, controlled by the level of the water within the flush tank I8 and, as said level varies, the arm- 66 is moved to swing the lever 56, whereby the piston is raised or lowered. When the proper level is standing within the flush tank l0, the ball is raised and the piston is in the position shown in Figure 3, with the valve disk 50 engaging its seat 49. However, when the water level within the tank l falls, the float 6| is -lowered to cause a lifting or raising of the piston I and an unseating of the valve disk 59.

The diaphragm case 26 is formed with a boss 62 at one side thereof and this boss is provided with a by-pass port 63, which is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3. The upper end of the port or passage 63 communicates with the lateral passage 45, while the lower end of the passage 63 communicates with one ofthe arcuate slots 42 in the transverse spider or support 25. The by-pass 63 permits water, which is flowing downwardly through the outer pipe 28, to ow into the tube 53 and from said tube into the overflow pipe |4 of the tank, whereby water is conducted to the bowl to replace water in the -closet bowl trap, which has been removed by siphonage when the closet was flushed.

In operation, assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Figure 2, with the water level in the tank. Ill lowered, the oat 6| is lowered, whereby the piston 5| is raised. In such position, the valve disk 50 of the piston is unseated and spaced from the valve seat 49. 'I'he diaphragm 36 is in an'intermediate position, whereby the exible valve element 38 is also unseated. At this time, water from the supply line 2| ows upwardly through the nipple and through the inlet conductor 23. From the upper end of the conductor, the water enters the diaphragm chamber below the diaphragm 36 and then iiows downwardly through the arcuate ports or slots 42,- through the pipe 28 and into the housing |5. This water within the housing unseats the flexible valve disk 32 and iiows into the interior of the tank I0. 'I'he main supply of water to the tank is in this manner.

At the same time, a certain amount of water is flowing through the by-pass passage 63 and into the curved outlet tube 53. From said tube, the water flows downwardly through the overflow pipe and then to the closet bowl to replace the water which has been removed therefrom by siphonage when the closet was ushed. Also, water is ilowing upwardly through the restricted bore 44'of the pilot tube, then upwardly through the bore 43 and into the chamber above the diaphragm 36. Since the valve 58 is unseated, the water from the chamber above the diaphragm 36 may enter the lateral passage 45 and pass outwardly through the tube 53 with the water which is entering said tube from the passage 63.

As the water rises within the flush tank I8, the iloat 6| rises therewith until said float causes the piston 5| to be lowered sufiiciently to engage the `38, which is carried by the underside of said diaphragm, is engaged with the valve seat 31. When this occurs, further flow of the water from the inlet conductor 23, through the pipe 28 and housing l5 and to the tank, is shut ofi". The halting of the ow of water through the housing I5 causes the water within the tank I0 to act against the flexible disk 32, whereby said disk is moved to the position shown dotted in Figure 2. In such position, a backflow of water from the tank into the housing cannot occur.

When the closet is flushed and the water released from the flush tank I0, the float 6| de scends, thereby lifting the piston 5| and raising the valve disk 50 from its seat 49. This permits the water within the ychamber above the diaphragm 36 to escape through the passage 45. Of course, water from the conductor 23 may continue to enter the chamber above the diaphragm through the pilot tube-39, but due to the relativelysmall size of the restricted opening 44, the water may escape from the chamber above the diaphragm faster than additional water can enter said chamber. Therefore, the pressure above the diaphragm is reduced and the pressure of 'the water within the inlet conductor 23 is sufficient to lift the diaphragm, whereby the flexible at which time the valve 50 is again seated: to permit a pressure to .be built up above the diaphragm 36 to lower said diaphragm and again seat the valve element 33.

It may sometimes occur that when the tank I3 is standing with the proper water level therein.. a vacuum will be produced in the water supply line 2|. Such vacuum may be caused from various reasons, as for example, if the water supply is cut oif from the system and drained, and in the event that such a vacuum does occur, a similar vaccum occurs in the inlet conductor 23. A similar vacuum will, of course, be produced in the chamber above the diaphragm 36, such vacuum acting through the bore 43 and restricted opening 44 of the pilot tube 39. This vacuum will cause the diaphragm 36 to lift oif of its seat 31 and as soon as this occurs, the vacuum acts through the by-pass passage 63 and through the tube 53. This vacuum pulls air in through -the ing air, the water which will` be standing within t the pipe 23 will begin to rise, whereupon the valve disk 32 will be drawn into tighter engagement with the plate 29 and housing I5, thus preventing any further passage of water upwardly through the pipe 23. It is noted that the presr sure may vary from one side of the diaphragm 36 to the other but air will continue to enter through the tube 53 and passage 63 until the vacuum is completely destroyed. There is no possibility o1' water being Withdrawn from the flush tank and back into the supply line bythe creation of a vacuum into said line.

In some instances, the vacuum in the supply line 2| and inlet conductor 23 may occur during the flushing period, in which event the parts would be in the position shown in Figure'2. In casea vacuum occurs at this time, the air which is being pulled through the tube 53 will also enter the lateral passage 45, as well as the by-pass 63. The air from the passage 45 iiows through the collar 41 and into the chamber above the diaphragm 36, whereby the pressure is thereby equalized on each side of said diaphragm. Since the valve seat 31 has a larger area than the bypass 63 and the port or restriction 44 in the pilot tube 39, it follows that the pressure will be reduced below the diaphragm 36, whereby said diaphragm will move downwardly and seat the valve element. 33 on its seat 31. The diaphragm will remain in its lowered position and the valve 36 will remain seated until the vacuum is completely destroyed by the air which continues to ow through the lateral passage 45, chamber above the diaphragm 36 and through the pilot tube 39 into the inlet conductor 23. Therefore, if the vacuum in the supply line 2| occurs when the valve is unseated, it will be manifest that the arrangement of parts provides for the admission of air to permit seating of the valve 33 to shut oil any possible backow.

It is pointed out that the incoming water from the inlet conductor 23 reaches its highest velocity at therestriction 44 of the pilot tube 39. After it passes the restriction, it flows through the larger bore 43 of said tube andits velocity is materially reduced. Also, the water passing around the tube 33 flows past the valve seat and into the relatively larger area of the pipe 23. `Iirom the pipe, the water then enters the chamber I 5 which is considerably larger than the pipe 23. Therefore, in its flow, there is no restriction of the water and no high velocity is created in the system. It is pointed out that, by conducting the water downwardly through the tube, the device is substantially noiseless in its operation. The resistance of the flexible valve disk 32 prevents a quick opening of the ports 3| and the channel 30, with the result that the pipe 23 will stand practically full of waterv at all times as the tank is lling.

The water pressure in the conductor 23 below the valve element 33 remains substantially constant so long as the valve is seated. When the pressure above the diaphragm 36 falls below the pressure acting against the underside of the valve 33, the diaphragm will be moved upwardly to unseat the valve to its full open position. Similarly, with the valve in an open position and the diaphragm raised, as soon as the pressure above said diaphragm 36 exceeds the pressure acting against the underside thereof, the valve will be moved to a fully closed position. It is pointed out, however, that the diaphragm does not move to its lowered position as quickly as it moves to its raised position. This is true because, as the diaphragm descends, the pressure below it increases at a faster rate than the total pressure above the diaphragm increases. This arrangement will bring about a cushioning effect which results in a soft, as well as a quick, closing of the valve. This eliminates the snap which is present in some ush valves and which is highly objectionable. Since the piston 5| and the port through the collar 41 control only a relatively small amount of Water, as compared to the main supply in the tank I0, it follows that only a small opening is necessary and compound leverage of the actuating mechanism and lever 56 is unnecessary. This makes it possible to efficiently operate the valve at either extremely low pres sure or extremely high pressure.

The construction of the device is very simple and a minimum number of parts is employed. In order to replace or repair any of the parts 4within the diaphragm case, it is only necessary to remove the bolts 35, after which the upper section of the diaphragm, together with its associate parts, may be lifted olf of the lower section. This exposes the diaphragm which may be readily repaired or replaced. The diaphragm is located so as to operate above the normal water level within the tank I0 and, manifestly, there are no pockets or recesses in which water or sediment may collect, which might interfere with the operation of the device. l

The piston 5| has been illustrated as controlled by the float 6|, but it is pointed out that if desired a tming device may be associated with said piston, whereby the valve would be converted into a flush valve for water closets. It is also pointed out that, although the pilot tube 39 is desirable, said tube could be eliminated and a relatively small port provided through the diaphragm, whereby communication between the inlet conductor 23 and the chamber above said diaphragm would be established through such port. f

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Whatl I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patentis:

1. A valve mechanism for a ush tank including, an elongate liquid inlet conductor extending into the tank, a valve body mounted on the upper end of the conductor and communicating therewith, an enlarged conduit surrounding the conductor and having its upper end communicating with the interior of the valve body whereby the liquid may iiow from the conductor to the conduit, a valve element movable within the body for controlling the iiow from the conductor to the conduit, a receiving housing at the lower end of the conduit and having communication with the interior of the tank, and a check valve for permitting ow from the housing to the tank and for preventing backflow from the tank to the housing.

2. A valve mechanism for a flush tank including, an elongate liquid inlet conductor extending into the tank, a valve body mounted on the upper end of the conductor and communicating therewith, an enlarged conduit surrounding the conductor and having its upper end communicating with the interior of the valve body whereby the liquid may ow from the conductor to the conduit, a valve element movable within the body for controlling the ow from the conductor to the conduit, a receiving housing at the lower end of the conduit and having communication with the interior of the tank, and flexible means for permitting ow from the housing to the tank and for preventing backow from the tank to the housing.

3. A valve mechanism for a iiush tank including, an elongate liquid inlet conductor extending into the tank, a valve body mounted on the upper end of the conductor and communicating therewith, a, liquid outlet conduit having its upper end communicating with the interior of the valve body and its lower end communicating with the interior of the tankwhereby the liquid may flow from said conductor to the conduit and into the tank, a valve element movable within said body for controlling the iiow from the conductor to said conduit, a pressure-responsive member connected to the valve element for moving said element to open and closed positions, means for conducting a portion of the liquid owing through the valve body to the upper side of the pressureresponsive member. auxiliary valve means -for controlling the escape of said liquid from above 'said member, whereby the liquid may be trapped Y above the member to build up a pressure sufficient to actuate`said element and move the valve element'to a closed position, a by-pass line leading, from the valve body for conducting a portion of the liquid from said body when said valve element is open, said by-pass serving to admit air to the valve body in the event a vacuum is created in said body, whereby such vacuum is destroyed and backtlow of liquid through the mechanism is prevented, and means at the lower end of the conduit for permitting ow from said conduit to the tank and for preventing backflow from said tank to the conduit.

4. A valve mechanism for a iiush tank including, an elongate liquid inlet conductor extending into the tank, a valve body mounted on the upper end of the conductor and communicating therewith', a liquid outlet conduit having its upper end communicating with the interior of the valve body and its lower end communicating with the interior of the tank whereby the liquid may flow from said conductor to the conduit, and into the tank, a valve element movable within lsaid body for controlling the flow from the conductor to said conduit, a pressure-responsive member connected to the valve element for moving said element to open and closed positions, means for conducting a portion of the liquid owing through the valve body to the upper side of the pressureresponsive member, auxiliary valve means for controlling the escape'oi' said liquid from above said member, whereby the liquid may be trapped above the member to build up a pressure suiiicient to actuate said element to a closed position, a by-pass line leading from the valve body for conducting a portion of the liquid from said body when said valve element is open, a passage leading from the upper side of the pressure-responsive member and communicating with the by-pass ARTHUR c. LAY'roN. 

